Geisha

How to Put on Makeup Like a Maiko

How to Put on Makeup Like a Maiko A Maiko is a label for a lady who is studying to be an entertainer in Kyoto, fully trained in Japanese time-honoured arts. She typically puts on makeup to make her skin …
How to Dress Like a Maiko

How to Dress Like a Maiko A Maiko is a label for a lady who is studying to be an entertainer in Kyoto, fully trained in Japanese time-honoured arts. She typically wears a kimono, a traditional long robe …
Tokyo Geisha: Show, Experience & History

Geisha in Tokyo Geisha of Tokyo may not be seen as popular as geisha of Kyoto but some of the earliest geisha neighborhoods emerged in the Yoshiwara District of Edo City. There are currently two active …
GEIKO: Facts, History & Tradition

What is a Geik0 Geiko is an artist and a professional entertainer who excels in traditional Japanese arts. There are currently around 150 geikos living in Kyoto. People often use the word geiko and geisha …
Maiko, Geiko, Hangyoku and Geisha Differences

Once you start researching ancient Japan or traditional Japanese arts, you will notice elegant ladies who stand out due to their appearance or proficiency in their cultural activities. Most of these ladies …
Differences between Maiko and Geisha and Geiko

The main differences between Maiko and geisha (geiko) are age, appearance, and skills. Maiko is usually younger than 20, wears a more colourful kimono with a red collar, and lacks conversation skills. …
What is a Geisha?

Geisha Geisha (芸者) has long been an astonishment cemented in the history of Japan. People often wonder how these professional artists come to be or how long they train in years.A geisha or geiko, when …
Are Geisha Courtesans? Oiran vs Geisha and Prostitute

Do Geisha Sleep with their Clients? No, as prostitution is illegal in Japan and the geishas are cultural performers who are deeply respected. Geisha never sleep with their clients as it goes against the …
How to Become a Geisha, Training of a Maiko

Most women enter the profession at the young age of 15 as compulsory education in Japan only goes up to middle school. Once they've made up their minds they can either be referred to the proprietress of …
Differences Between Geisha and Maiko Outfits and Hair

The entire purpose of a maiko's outfit is to attract attention to herself. It's said that this is done because she is not well versed in the arts, so her outfit will speak for her. From her head to her …
The Karyukai (what is Ochaya, Okiya, Gohanya)

The Karyūkai (花柳界) meaning “The Flower and Willow World,” is the collective name for the areas in which geisha and the traditional establishments where they entertain are located. All hanamachi belong …
Kyoto's 5 Geisha Districts, History, Festivals, Main Differences in Traditions, Crests

Kyoto has 5 hanamachi, each with its own history and flavors. Collectively they are known as the Gokagai (五花街), which means “Five Flower Towns.”The largest and most prestigious of them all is Gion Kobu …
Is Memoirs of a Geisha based on true story?

No, it is not based on a true story. However, a real geisha, named Mineko Iwasaki, sued the author of the book because of defamation. Surprisingly, not the plot, but some characters in the book resembled …
The Kimono of the Geisha and Maiko (general patterns, styles, types, seasons)

When the geisha profession began the apprentice maiko were often as young as 8 or 9 years old. Like other girls their age, they wore long-sleeved kimono with special tucks placed in the shoulders, called …
The Hairstyles of Geisha and Maiko (Shimada, Wareshinobu, Sakko)

The hairstyles of maiko are the same as those worn by other girls their own age during the Edo Period and are worn to show seniority and rank. All hairstyles for maiko will feature a red piece of cloth …
The Makeup of the Geisha (the materials, procedures)

In the past, there was no electricity in Japan, so artists entertained by dim candlelight. Eventually, they started painting the faces white to look more beautiful in such conditions. Geisha, kabuki actors, …
Geisha Kimono Patterns & Symbolism (Pine, Bamboo, Waves, Flowers)

Kimono are filled with motifs that act as a hidden language for those who know how to read them. Some of the most common and popular motifs include -Cranes (鶴): Tall and graceful, these birds used to be …
A Typical 24 Hours of a Geisha's Training

Hours of a Geisha's Training Most geisha and maiko will wake up around 10 am to get dressed and ready for breakfast. They'll eat together with the other geisha and maiko in their okiya around 10:30 am …
Geisha Kyoto Events Calendar 2021

Geisha Kyoto Events Calendar Throughout the year, there are several events, that happen every year and have a significant meaning. Some of these events may be delayed or cancelled because of the pandemic …
GION Walking Tour Map by Maikoya

Here's the Gion Geisha Walking Tour Map Gion Geisha Walking tour Map by Maikoya Gion and the South Part of the Hanamikoji Street Map © Kyoto Geisha Show & Experience Gion MaikoyaWe have also Kyoto geisha …
Frequently Asked Questions about Geisha / Maiko

We hold many geisha shows and events and these are the most commonly asked questions to geisha / maiko at our venue. You can also learn a lot more about the geisha by choosing one of the geisha experiences …
Geishas in Kyoto and Coronavirus

Update: The private Geisha Museum may be closed Adam Acar, Ph.D., who is the director of the recently-opened private Geisha Museum by Maikoya, mentioned that there is a possibility that the museum will …
Geisha are like sumo wrestlers!

What are the similarities between geisha and sumo: Most sumo wrestlers weigh around 150 kgs, the weight of the maiko’s clothing during the winter time is around 15 KGS!!! The loincloth of a sumo wrestler …